Multi-positional mount for personal electronic devices with a magnetic interface

ABSTRACT

A stand assembly for holding handheld electronic devices in a multitude of positions or locations having a first section with a curved end magnetically attached to second section having and indented surface. The first section also attaches to a surface, the second section either is contiguous with a portable electronic device, a carrying case, or other item; or has a means to attach to another surface. A high-friction elastomeric material, or similar friction producing material, helps to secure the first and second sections together, or the second section against another flat magnetic surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/689,632 filed Aug. 29, 2017 which is a continuation Ser. No.14/526,350 filed Oct. 28, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,765,921 issued Sep.19, 2017, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 14/098,043 filed Dec. 5,2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,870,146 issued Oct. 28, 2014, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/485,894 filed May31, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,602,376 issued Dec. 10, 2013, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/491,640, filedMay 31, 2011, all of which applications are incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a stand for holdinghandheld electronic devices; and more specifically, a stand that canhold the device in a multitude of positions or locations.

2. Description of Related Art

Personal electronic equipment such as cellular phones and handheld touchscreen computers are generally designed so as to be held by the operatorin one hand while screen input is given to the device with the thumb orwith the other free hand. While these methods of touch screen operationare good while on the go, or during a quick interaction with the device;the operator may wish to use the touch screen to display informationwithout holding it or to type with one or both hands without holding thedevice.

Prior methods of holding handheld electronic devices have proved limitedin either the positions the devices can be held or to which surfaces thedevices can be quickly attached.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a stand assembly for holding handheldelectronic devices in a multitude of positions or locations. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the stand assembly is comprised oftwo sections: the first section is comprised of a first end shaped torest stably on a flat surface and a second end with a generally curvedshape and constructed of a magnetic material; the second section beingcomprised of a front surface having an indentation to accept thegenerally curved end of the first section and a back surface comprisingeither a means for attaching to a surface or said front and backsurfaces being contiguous with a handheld electronic device, aprotective cover, or other item. The second section is further comprisedof either being made from or including a magnet to attract magneticmaterial. The first and second sections of this embodiment of theinvention are capable of being securely attached through the magneticinteraction of the curved end of the first section and the indentationon the front surface of the second section.

Another embodiment of the present invention also comprises a firstsection with an end shaped to rest stably on a flat surface that can hasa means to mount to surfaces such as: screws, glue, epoxy, two sidedtape, hooks, snaps, links, clasps, ties, Velcro, or any suitable meanscommonly known to those who practice in the art.

Another embodiment of the present invention also comprises a secondsection with a back surface with a means to mount a surface such as:screws, glue, epoxy, two sided tape, hooks, snaps, links, clasps, ties,Velcro, or any suitable means commonly known to those who practice inthe art.

Another embodiment of the present invention also comprises a firstsection with an end shaped to rest stably on a flat surface that can beshaped to fit into the socket of an automobile cigarette lighter outlet.

Another embodiment of the present invention would also comprises a firstsection with an end shaped to rest stably on a flat surface that can beshaped to attach to irregular surfaces by way of a spring loaded orscrew type clamp.

Another embodiment of the present invention also comprises ahigh-friction elastomeric material, or similar friction producingmaterial, on the outer contact surface of the front of the magnetizedsecond section. This allows the handheld electronic device to be removedfrom the first section and placed on a vertical magnetic surface withoutslipping.

Another embodiment of the present invention also comprises ahigh-friction elastomeric material, or similar friction producingmaterial, on either the indentation on the front surface of the secondsection or the curved end of the first section. This prevents theindentation on the front surface of the second section from slipping onthe curved end of the first section by creating friction to opposegravity or other forces that may act on the magnetic coupling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 1. FIGURES

FIG. 1A (on Sheet 1) illustrates a side view of a stand assembly whichincludes the first and second sections attached together and to ahandheld device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B (on Sheet 1) illustrates a side view of the stand assembly ofFIG. 1A rotated 90 degrees according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1C (on Sheet 1) illustrates an oblique side view of a standassembly showing the back surface of a second section where it attachesto a handheld device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1D (on Sheet 1) illustrates a cross-sectional view of a standassembly showing a high-friction elastomeric material that rubs againsta generally curved end of a first section according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 (on Sheet 2) illustrates a stand assembly placed on a flatsurface and attached to a handheld electronic device according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 (on Sheet 3) illustrates a stand assembly adapted to connect tothe cigarette lighter receptacle of an automobile according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 (on Sheet 3) illustrates a stand assembly adapted to include aspring loaded clamp for attaching a stand assembly to an irregularsurface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2. REFERENCES

-   -   1. First Section of Stand Assembly    -   2. Indentation In Second Section of Stand Assembly    -   3 Curved end of the First Section    -   4 Second Section of Stand Assembly    -   5 End of First Section Shaped To Rest Stably On a Flat Surface    -   6 Means For Attaching to Second Section to a Surface    -   7 Handheld Device    -   8 Flat Surface    -   9 High-Friction Elastomeric Material, or Similar friction        Producing Material, On The Indentation On The Front Surface of        The Second Section    -   10 High-Friction Elastomeric Material, or Similar Friction        Producing Material, On The Outer Contact Surface of The Front of        The Second Section    -   11 Magnetic Material    -   12 Stem to Engage Into The Cigarette Lighter Receptacle of an        Automobile    -   13 Spring Loaded Jaws To Clamp Onto Irregular Surfaces

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.However, the illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary and manyadditional embodiments of this invention are possible. For example thisinvention is shown in use with portable electronic devises; however thisinvention is not intended to be limited to portable electronic devices.It is understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention isthereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in theillustrated devices, and such further application of the principles ofthe invention as illustrated herein are contemplated as would normallyoccur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g.,arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with thespecification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire writtendescription of this invention. As used in the following description, theterms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, aswell as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g.,“horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to theorientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawingfigure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly”generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis ofelongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D all depict an embodiment of a multi-positionalstand assembly for a handheld device comprised of two sections. The 1first section has a 5 first end shaped so as to rest stably on a flatsurface and a 3 second curved end constructed of a magnetic material.The 4 second section includes an 2 indentation for receiving the 3second curved end of the 1 first section, a 6 means for connecting the 4second section to an optional 7 handheld device, a 11 magnetic materialfor attracting the 3 second curved end of the 1 first section, a 9high-friction elastomeric material, or similar friction producingmaterial on the indentation on the front surface of the 4 second sectionfor arresting slipping of the 4 second section relative to the 1 firstsection, and a 10 high-friction elastomeric material, or similarfriction producing material on the outer contact surface of the 4 secondsection to hold the 4 second section to a vertical surface when the 1first section is removed. The 1 first and 4 second sections of thisembodiment of the invention are capable of being securely attachedthrough the magnetic interaction of the 3 curved end of the firstsection and the 2 indentation on the front surface of the 4 secondsection.

While not pictured, the 4 second section can also comprise either ameans for attaching to a surface such as: screws, glue, epoxy, two sidedtape, hooks, snaps, links, clasps, ties, Velcro, or any suitable meanscommonly known to those who practice in the art; or the front and backsurfaces of the 4 second section can be contiguous with a 7 handheldelectronic device, a protective cover, or other item. The second sectioncan also be comprised of either being made from a magnetic material.

While not pictured, the 1 first section can also comprise a flat endsuitable for resting on a flat surface with a means for attaching to asurface such as: screws, glue, epoxy, two sided tape, hooks, snaps,links, clasps, ties, Velcro, or any suitable means commonly known tothose who practice in the art.

When the 1 first section is connected to the 4 second section andattached to a 7 handheld device, the 7 handheld device can be movedfreely to a multitude of positions. Since the amount of leverage the 7handheld device has on the 3 curved end of the first section and 2indentation on the front surface of the second section varies dependingon the 7 handheld device's position, the use of a 9 high-frictionelastomeric material, or similar friction producing material on theindentation on the front surface of the 4 second section for arrestingslipping of the 4 second section relative to the 1 first sectioneliminates the potential slipping of the 1 first and 4 second sections,or the need for use of 11 magnetic material of such strength as to makedisconnecting the 1 first and 4 second sections difficult.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the invention where the 1 first sectionhas a 5 second end shaped to rest stably on a 8 flat surface such as atable, desk or the like. FIG. 3 depicts another embodiment of theinvention where the 1 first section includes a 12 stem to engage intothe cigarette lighter receptacle of an automobile, this stem could alsobe adapted to engage any sort of plug. FIG. 4 depicts another embodimentof the invention where the 1 first section also comprises 13 springloaded jaws to clamp onto irregular surfaces although any similar meansfor clamping could be used.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplaryembodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer toparticular features, the scope of this invention also includesembodiments having different combinations of features and embodimentsthat do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, thescope of the present invention is intended to embrace all suchalternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope ofthe claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

While the above description contains many specificities, these shouldnot be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, butrather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Manyother variations are possible. Accordingly, the scope of this inventionshould be determined not by the embodiments, but by the applied claimsand their legal equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A stand assembly for holding a handheldelectronic device in a multitude of positions, comprising: a firstsection comprised of a first end shaped to engage one of a flat surface,a plug, and an irregular surface via clamping, and a second end with agenerally curved shape and constructed of a first magnetic material; asecond section having a front surface, the front surface having anindentation, said indentation receiving said curved end of said firstsection and encompassing a portion, but less than the whole diameter, ofsaid curved surface of said first section, said second section having asecond magnetic material configured to securely attach to the firstsection through magnetic interaction of the curved surface of the firstsection with the indentation on the front surface of the second section,wherein the second magnetic material of the second section that holdssaid first and said second sections together has a ring shapesurrounding, in a radial fashion, at least a portion of the curvedsurface when the first and second sections are together, the secondmagnetic material having the ring shape opposite the curved surface ofthe first section and protruding from the front surface of the secondsection.
 2. The stand assembly of claim 1, wherein the second section isadjacent to a handheld electronic device opposite the front surface. 3.The stand assembly of claim 1, wherein the second magnetic material is apermanent magnet.
 4. The stand assembly of claim 1, wherein the secondsection includes a first piece of high-friction elastomeric material,the first piece of high-friction elastomeric material on the indentationof said second section and the magnetic material positioned such thatthe magnetic material of the second section radially surrounds the firstpiece of high-friction elastomeric material.
 5. The stand assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the first section includes a first piece ofhigh-friction elastomeric material, the first piece of high-frictionelastomeric material on the second end with the generally curved shapeof the first section.
 6. A stand assembly for holding a devicecomprising: a first section shaped on one end with a curved surface, theentirety of said curved surface of said first section constructed of afirst magnetic material; and a second section having a front surface,the front surface having an indentation, said indentation receiving saidcurved end of said first section and encompassing a portion, but lessthan the whole diameter, of said curved surface of said first section,said second section having a second magnetic material configured tosecurely attach to the first section through magnetic interaction of thecurved surface of the first section with the indentation on the frontsurface of the second section, wherein the second magnetic material ofthe second section that holds said first and said second sectionstogether has a ring shape surrounding, in a radial fashion, at least aportion of the curved surface when the first and second sections aretogether, the second magnetic material having the ring shape oppositethe curved surface of the first section and protruding from the frontsurface of the second section, the second section adjacent to a handheldelectronic device opposite the front surface.
 7. The stand assembly ofclaim 6, wherein the second magnetic material is a permanent magnet. 8.The stand assembly of claim 6, wherein the second section includes afirst piece of high-friction elastomeric material, the first piece ofhigh-friction elastomeric material on the indentation of said secondsection and the magnetic material positioned such that the magneticmaterial of the second section radially surrounds the first piece ofhigh-friction elastomeric material.
 9. The stand assembly of claim 6,wherein the first section includes a first piece of high-frictionelastomeric material, the first piece of high-friction elastomericmaterial on the second end with the generally curved shape of the firstsection.
 10. The stand assembly of claim 6, wherein the first sectionincludes a first end shaped to engage one of a flat surface, a plug, andan irregular surface via clamping.
 11. A stand assembly for holding adevice comprising: a first section having a curved end; and a secondsection with a generally curved shape and constructed of a secondmagnetic material, the second section including a front surface havingan indentation to accept the curved end of the first section and a backsurface that is attachable an object selected from the group consistingof a surface of the device and a protective cover of the device, thefirst and second sections securely attached through magnetic interactionof the curved end of the first section, the entirety of which curved endis composed of a first magnetic material, and the indentation on thefront surface of the second section, wherein the second magneticmaterial of the second section that holds said first and said secondsections together has a ring shape that surrounds the curved surfacewhen the first and second sections are together the second magneticmaterial having the ring shape that defines the indentation and isopposite the curved surface of the first section and protruding from thefront surface of the second section, the second section adjacent to ahandheld electronic device opposite the front surface.
 12. The standassembly of claim 11, wherein the second magnetic material is apermanent magnet.
 13. The stand assembly of claim 11, wherein the secondsection includes a first piece of high-friction elastomeric material,the first piece of high-friction elastomeric material on the indentationof said second section and the magnetic material positioned such thatthe magnetic material of the second section radially surrounds the firstpiece of high-friction elastomeric material.
 14. The stand assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the first section includes a first piece ofhigh-friction elastomeric material, the first piece of high-frictionelastomeric material on the second end with the generally curved shapeof the first section.
 15. The stand assembly of claim 11, wherein thefirst section includes a first end shaped to engage one of a flatsurface, a plug, and an irregular surface via clamping.